A Long History of Tourism

COLONIAL SETTLEMENT SOON LED TO THE DISCOVERY OF BUDERIM AS AN ALLURING TOURIST RETREAT

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A LONG HISTORY OF TOURISM

BUILDING A RAILWAY OFF BUDERIM MOUNTAIN ENABLED AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM TO THRIVE

In 1862, early settlers harvested much of Buderim’s forests to build Australia’s first cities and towns. Crops such as ginger, coffee and bananas were soon planted in the rich volcanic soils.

In 1914, a small gauge railway was built to transport Buderim’s fine produce from the top of the mountain to the region’s markets and wharfs.

Buderim’s remnant forests, alluring flora and fauna, and exquisite ocean vistas could no longer be kept a secret as sightseers and day trippers began to ride the produce train.

By the early 1920s, Buderim was widely regarded as a resort destination. Guest houses and spa lodges had opened and tourists flocked to the mountain for rejuvenation and retreat, to bathe under crystal waterfalls and drink from natural mountain springs.

A new tourism destination was born.